In preventing SQL Injection, what is the purpose of using prepared statements with parameterized queries? $($Choose the one correct answer.$)$

In preventing SQL Injection, what is the purpose of using prepared statements with parameterized queries? $($Choose the one correct answer.$)$

To encrypt SQL queries, which hides them from users.

To hide SQL queries from users, to allow for easier maintenance.

To ensure user input is handled safely and not executed as SQL code.

To speed up SQL query execution.